the technical name is tonsiliths. They are caused by mucus and bacteria forming the stone. They are common in people who's sinuses or tonsils are infected frequently. I used to get them alll the time, until my sinus surgery cured my chronic sinusitis.
My sinuses were an extreme case, caused by decades of misdiagnosis. Oil pulling is good for helping cleanse the sinuses, and I would assume for the tonsils also, so keep pulling!